Walter Kaye, N. Y. Army civilian aide and philanthropist, dies at 96
Walter Kaye, N. Y. Army civilian aide and philanthropist, dies at 96
Walter Kaye, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army for New York South, died on July 26. He was 96.Kaye was appointed civilian aide in April 1995 and was named emeritus by the U.S. Army in 2005.He was also chairman emeritus of Kaye Insurance Associates, a New York City company he founded at 33 years of age that eventually expanded into a successful brokerage firm with over 500 employees in cities across the country.Known not only for his generosity, but also his love of soldiers and their families, Kaye was constantly telling "The Army Story."Kaye was an outstanding supporter of The United States Army Band, "Pershing’s Own."For many years, he championed the band’s concerts in New York City, and was the prime mover responsible for locating these concerts in Carnegie Hall and at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts – venues that ensured maximum attendance at all performances.These concerts continue to the present day.Often after a concert or event, Kaye would host receptions for the soldiers and their guests.He worked closely with the Army New York Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Army recruiters, and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and its Fort Hamilton.Due in no small way to Kaye’s dedication, the Army’s presence in New York grew dramatically.Kaye’s generosity to the Wounded Warrior Project and The Army Distaff Foundation (Knollwood) is well known and admired.He was very quiet and humble about his charitable efforts and did not seek recognition.He often said, "The Army changed my life. I never knew there were people like you [the Army and it soldiers]."Contributions in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.